In the 1950s Kenny was asked if he thought
he could play Country and Western Music on his Steel Guitar.
Kenny said he didn’t know but that he would give it
a go, and the rest is history as they say.
By the age of 16 years Kenny had built his own six stringed
guitar, with a solid body and he still plays his fifth Kitchings
built guitar, which is a double necked, 8 and 10 stringed
lap steel, as well as a Perina Double 10 Pedal Steel Guitar
with a clip on Anapeg lap Steel.
Speedy West was the first to introduce
Kenny to the Pedal Steel during his 1960s visit to Australia.
In the mid 60s Kenny turned his attention to the Dobro (resonator)
Guitar. Kenny was later told by John Minson,
commonly known as Mr Hoedown, that his Dobro playing was
world class.
In St Louis, 2001 Kenny received the Jerry Byrd Lifetime Achievement Award. This award
reads: “For your continuing effort in bringing Steel
Guitar into prominence throughout Australia. Your musical
artistry has earned you the respect and admiration of both
players and fans alike.”
So as you can see Kenny has had a long and big career, and
big Steelers have admired Kenny Kitching.
Come and see him at our 10th Anniversary
Festival.
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